(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Jessica Pegula called Elina Svitolina “an amazing story” as the American finds it impressive what the Ukrainian has been able to do in such a short time after returning from pregnancy. Svitolina, 28, took a break from tennis in 2022 March – gave birth to her first child in 2022 October – returned to pro tennis in April.
Since then, Svitolina has won a WTA 250 title in Strasbourg – reached the French Open quarterfinal – now has been through to the Wimbledon semifinal. On Tuesday, Svitolina defeated world No 1 Iga Swiatek 7-5 6-7 (5) 6-2 in the Wimbledon quarterfinal.
Svitolina, who was ranked outside the top-1000 when she returned to tennis in April, will return to the top-30 after Wimbledon.
Pegula hails Svitolina’s ‘amazing story’
“It’s amazing what she’s done. It’s such an incredible story.
Obviously her being Ukrainian, having a baby, coming back, beating Iga. There’s so many dynamics. Yeah, it’s crazy to think that she’s done that. But I feel like she’s been competing so well. It seems like she has a lot of fire and competitive spirit in her, whether it’s for whatever reason.
But it seems like she’s really rejuvenated after having a baby and taking some time off. I remember playing her at the end before she was pregnant and stuff. It seemed like maybe she kind of lost her spark. I feel like she came back ready to go and wanting to prove something.
So, yeah, even before the French, she won Strasbourg, had a great run there. I feel like she likes the grass. It’s been an amazing story. Watching her play, you can see it on her face, how much she wants it. I think that’s really cool,” Pegula said of Svitolina.Pegula was also in action on Tuesday as the American suffered a heartbreaking three-set defeat to Marketa Vondrousova. Had Pegula defeated Vondrousova, she would have played Svitolina in the Wimbledon semifinal.
